The intensifying conflict in the Middle East marked its seventh consecutive day of violence on Friday, with the Israeli military declaring the commencement of a “new stage” in operations and launching air raids on the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Earlier, the Israeli Defense Forces issued a highly unusual evacuation directive for the entire district, urging residents to “protect your lives and evacuate your homes immediately,” a warning that triggered widespread panic and mass departures from the targeted neighborhoods.
U.S. Reaction and Statements on Iranian Leadership
In the political arena, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly dismissed the notion of Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stepping into a position of power, labeling him a “lightweight” in contrast to the leadership he would accept for stabilizing Iran.
During a discussion with Axios, Trump drew a parallel to the situation in Venezuela and his interaction with interim president Delcy Rodriguez, asserting that he would expect involvement in personnel decisions similarly in Iran—a hint that Washington seeks a figure willing to pursue peace rather than maintain confrontational policies.
Trump was quoted stating, “Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me. We require someone capable of bringing about solidarity and peace in Iran,” and in the same breath he warned that if no suitable alternative arises, further military conflict could follow.
Although the comments reflect an interest in collaborating with elements inside the Islamic Republic, they stop short of advocating a full regime overthrow—contrasting with previous U.S. calls for Iranians to rise against their government.
Expansion of Conflict to Lebanon’s Capital
The widening confrontation drew Lebanon directly into the crossfire earlier this week, when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israeli territory to avenge the killing of a senior figure allied with the Iranian leadership.
Israel responded with precision airstrikes and limited ground incursions into border communities, targeting what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut’s southern suburbs later in the week.
The preemptive evacuation call sparked frantic movement, with vehicles clogging roads leading out of the area and residents firing warning shots into the air in a desperate bid to urge neighbors to leave.
On one popular beach outside the city, hundreds of families gathered in distress, many of them emotional and unsure of where to go after fleeing their homes.
A displaced man told AFP, “We fled from the suburbs and felt degraded,” choosing not to share his name amid the upheaval.
Lebanese health authorities report that at least 123 people have lost their lives since the conflict’s spillover into Lebanon, with more than 680 injured and over 90,000 displaced from their homes due to the violence.
Regional Escalations: From Azerbaijan to Sri Lanka
Along Iran’s northern frontier, Azerbaijan issued a stern warning that a recent drone strike on one of its airports “will not go unanswered,” sparking fears that yet another regional actor may be drawn deeper into the broader war.
Although Tehran denied involvement in the incident and placed blame on Israeli forces, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev publicly accused Iran of inflicting “terrorist actions” on his country.
At the same time, Australia sent two military aircraft to the conflict zone, and Canada’s leader made it clear that his armed forces might also participate in future operations if circumstances evolve.
In Iran’s capital, fresh bombardments left crumpled cars and shattered structures, with smoke rising from numerous damaged sites captured in recent footage. A resident of Tehran, aged 30, told AFP, “We are living through a crucial chapter in our history, and I carry no fear. Our only asset now is hope.”
According to a state‑run Iranian foundation, the death toll from combined American and Israeli strikes has reached approximately 1,230, although AFP could not independently confirm that figure.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed that six American service members have died since the conflict began last Saturday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took a resolute stance on Thursday, stressing that Tehran is not advocating for a ceasefire and sees no reason to negotiate with U.S. officials at this stage.
Addressing the prospect of a ground invasion in an interview with NBC News, Araghchi stated, “We are confident in our ability to counter them, and such a confrontation would be disastrous for their forces.”
Israeli military sources, on the other hand, have asserted that 60 percent of Iran’s missile launchers and 80 percent of its air defense systems have been dismantled in ongoing operations.
As part of the announcement of the campaign’s “next phase,” Israel Defense Forces Chief Eyal Zamir hinted at additional undisclosed maneuvers, saying, “We have further surprises planned.”
In the latest barrage, Iranian missiles ignited a series of explosions across Tel Aviv, and firefighters were observed battling flames at a residential complex near the city’s economic district on Friday.
Gulf States Also Feel the Impact
Even the affluent monarchies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have not been shielded from the conflict’s fallout. Iran’s retaliatory strikes have included assaults on cities and key energy infrastructure across the region.
Since the fighting began, at least 13 fatalities have been reported around the Gulf, including seven civilians and an 11‑year‑old girl in Kuwait.
Officials in Bahrain reported that buildings in the capital Manama, including two hotels and a residential structure, were targeted by Iranian attacks early Friday, though there were no confirmed fatalities.
Saudi Arabian defense forces announced the interception of three ballistic missiles aimed at one of its air bases, while neighboring Qatar said it shot down a separate missile amid thunderous detonations that marked the heaviest bombardment yet, according to AFP correspondents.
Officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) added that falling wreckage from an intercepted drone inflicted injuries on six individuals in Abu Dhabi, highlighting that no Gulf nation has remained untouched by the expanding war.
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